The human eye contains a retina-a membrane with approximately 120 million cells called photoreceptors, which absorb light rays and convert them into electric signals. Your brain interprets these signals as visual images. Evolutionists have contended that where the retina is placed in the eyes of vertebrates, creatures with a backbone, proves that the eye had no designer.
Consider: The retina of vertebrates is inverted, placing the photoreceptors at the back of the retina. To reach them, light must pass through several layers of cells. According to evolutionary biologist Kenneth Miller, “this arrangement scatters the light, making our vision less detailed than it might be.”
Evolutionists thus claim that the inverted retina is evidence of poor design-really, no design. One scientist even described it as a “functionally stupid upside-down orientation.” However, further research reveals that the photoreceptors of the inverted retina are ideally place next to the pigment epithelium-a cell layer that provides oxygen and nutrients vital to keen sight. “If the pigment epithelium tissue were place in front of the retina, sight would be seriously compromised,” wrote biologist Jerry Bergman and ophthalmologist Joseph Calkins.
The inverted retina is especially advantageous for vertebrates with small eyes. Says Professor Ronald Kroger, of the University of Lund, Sweden: “Between the lens of the eye and the photoreceptors, there must be a certain distance to get a sharp image. Having this space filled with nerve cells means as important saving of space for the vertebrates.”
Additionally, with the nerve cells of the retina tightly packed and close to the photoreceptors, analysis of visual information is fast and reliable.
What do you think? Is the inverted retina an inferior structure, a product of mere chance? Or was it designed?

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WAS IT DESIGNED?

The Cold Light of the Firefly

In tropical and temperate regions, the firefly is recognized by the flashing light it uses to attract a mate, Interestingly, the firefly's light is superior to the incandescent and fluorescent light produced by man. In fact, the next time you look at your electric bill, think of what this small insect can do.
Consider: An incandescent lightbulb emits only 10 percent of its energy as light; the rest is basically wasted, discharged as heat. A fluorescent bulb performs much better, emitting 90 percent of its energy as light. But neither of these is a match for the firefly. With very few ultraviolet or infrared rays, the light emitted by this insect is nearly 100 percent energy efficient!
The firefly's secret lies in the chemical reactions of the substance luciferin, the enzyme luciferase, and oxygen. Special cells called photocytes use luciferase to trigger this process, with oxygen as fuel. The result is cold light-so named because it produces virtually no heat. Horticultural and environmental educator Sandra Mason aptly remarked that lightbulb inventor Thomas Edison "must have neen envious of fireflies."
What do you think? Did the cold light of the firefly come about by chance? Or was ti designed?

Firefly on leaf: @E.R. Degginger/Photo Researchers, Inc.; Firefly in flight: @Darwin Dale/Photo Researchers, Inc.

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